The forensic paramedic: an outline of the role and essential criteria for the job

The word forensic is widely used today in television programmes, movies, and news coverage. The word forensic comes from the Latin forensis, meaning ‘of or before the forum.’ The modern day interpretation of forensics is ‘legal’ or ‘related to courts’ with the presentation of forensic evidence.

Many people are familiar with the forensic roles of doctors, nurses, pathologists, psychiatrists, odontologists (dental records identification), and scientists. Other forensic roles not related to medicine are forensic accountants, IT, and archaeology, to name just a few.

Historically, general practitioners (GPs) provided medical services for detainees in police custody in addition to their full time role, attending calls when required. However, due to legislative changes and increasing demands of both the police service and detainees, the Home Office issued circular 020/2003 (Home Office, 2003) gave guidance to chief police officers on the use of healthcare professionals in police custody. This memo advised on the types of service delivery models and clearly defined the qualifications, experience, training, professional registration and regulatory body required for healthcare professionals to work within the Codes of Practice relating to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).